Morris tribune., 1887-01-05
ats a. mystery to me-" al he said,

| possessing were not purchased at pri-
vate sale, without waiting for pub
| lie auction. Such rare accomplish
ments should be better appreciated. I"
f~-sfhat's q TACT, Mabel. | have
half mind to be your rival, and try
my luck at winning this extraordi-
nary maiden. She would be such a val
liable addition to my curiosities. But
ter than being rivals. By the way,
are you going to the Orr's this even
ing?"
why, yes; was just beginning to
dress when you came in. Now, sir, /"
striking an attitude, "begone from my
presence! How dare you intrude upon
a lady when she is surrounded by the
mysteries OF her toilet" pointing the
atrically to her combs, brushes and
hairpins. What visions of enamel
and rouge detached curls and black
lead eyebrows, will float before your
mind when you see a pretty woman!
In behalf OF my sex, | must forbid
your presence here"
II don't think your sex need have
any fears from you," said Walter,
glancing with brotherly pride at the
artiess face and pretty figure. But
look your prettiest for tonight; am
going to bring to you Max Wilbur, my
dear old Eaton chum, and l want you
to set your cap for him."
Much obliged, but never set caps.
| leave that to the Annie Laurie class.
Ii am ever so unfortunate as to get
married, it will not be by popping the
question either directly orindirectly."
X Y
Mrs. Orr's parlors were crowded
with guests, but Mabel Lee seemed
| scarcely conscious of their presence.
One alone claimed her attention, and
though she tried to seem Indifferent,
Walter, watching at q distance, was
pleased to see that Max Wilbur had
made an impression.
That was the beginning of an ac-
quaintance which, aided by Walters
genuine love for his sister and his
friend, grew rapidly into a warm
friendship.
Three weeks from the date OF her
first letter to Annie Laurie, Mabel
had tired of the correspondence. Be
side, she dreaded lest Max should find
it out. He seemed so high minded,
she feared he could never stoop to en-.
Joy practial joke. She had written
about half dozen Of the silly mis-
sives, in one Of which she had made
formal offer of marriage.
Il am going to write just one more,"
she said to Walter, land that will be
to end this nonsense. 1t has not al
forded me half the fun / expected"
The sugar is at the bottom"
laughed Walter. "But think myself
that it is time we were tasting it. She
has appointed place to meet you,
has she not?"
"Ies. Room number twenty, Brack-
en- House. But l shall decline to meet
her"
"Not bit of it. Disguise yourself
as an old lady. will 60 with you and
remain outside the room door, ready
for any emergency. No one will ever
know it."
After much persuasion Mabel reluct-
antly yiettlet1; and half an hour later,
Walter bore triumphantly to the post
office letter in which "Robin Adair"
stated that he would call upon can
ME Lanrie" at the appointed place,
on the following evening at 8 O'Clock.
Robin Adair certainly cut a queer
figure when ready for the interview. A
mythical namesake. An immense
poke bonnet, pair OF green goggles
and broad, white rutfle representing
a cap border, disguised the pretty
girlish face. A short, scant dress, a
pair of cotton gloves, a green cloak
and heavy shoes completed the cos
tune, while huge, blue umbrella and
reticuie suggested the name of "Jer-
usha Perkins" as more appropriate
than any other.
Walter was in high spirits as they
walked along the street. He compli-
mented Mabel on her disguise, at the
same time giving hints for the coming
interview.
By the time she reach the hotel Ma
bells courage was dwindling rapidly.
But she said nothing as she walked
up the head stairway to number
twenty. Walter whispered a few
words of reinsurance as he stepped
aside, and with a trembling hand she
knocked at the door.
A brisk, high-keyed voice answered.
., "Come in!' .- .,..4...
Mabel entered and glanced hastily
at the occupant OF the room. Instead
of the prim damsel she expected to
see, quite an old looking lady, whose
dress was almost the exact counter
part of Mabel's own, arose to meet
her. Even the umbrella was not
wanting, and as the figure was re-
markably tall, and came forward
with this formidable weapon, Mabel
was inclined to beat hasty retreat.
The nice little speech she had pre-
pared fled from her memory. She
stood silent and motionless but the
same curiously pitched voice inquired:
"Can | do anything for you, mad
am?"
Il came to see Miss Annie Laurie"
stammered Mabel.
"You came to See Annie Laurie?"
There was an accent of surprise in
the voice now that changed its into
nation, and the thought dawned on
poor MabeI's mind hat she was stand
ing face to face with man!
Any doubts she might have had
were quickly dlspelled, tor in her sud-
den terror and confusion she drop
ped her umbrella; and her odd look
ing companion stepping forward
picked it up and presented it to her
with polite bow, saying:
II think there is some mis- take,
madam. Permit me to conduct you
where you wish to CO."
''He is a gentleman, at least"
thought Mabel, land his voice-oh,
can it be possible?" And the little
old lady gazed as though fascinated
up into the big old lady's face.
For two seconds they stood staring
at each other through their respective
green goggles, and then poor Mabel,
overwhelmed with shame and con-
fusion, did what any other sensible
girl would have done under the
trying circumstances-fainted away.
When she recovered she was lying
on a sofa in the same room, and Max
- e;,, al "a